The COOL sites are web-based hubs that consolidate information from numerous sources at the federal, state and local levels on certifications, licenses, apprenticeships and growth opportunities that correspond with each Navy rating and Marine Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) as well as enlisted jobs and occupations. Every Navy rating and Marine MOS has at least one associated professional credential.

Col. Lee Ackiss, deputy branch head for personal and professional development, Marine and Family Programs Division, Headquarters Marnie Corps, said that the addition of Marine COOL will add significant value for many Marines.

“A credential is that symbol, that certificate that really validates and gives true value to their MOS training,” said Ackiss. “It is something that a civilian employer immediately recognizes. Translating the expertise and performance of our military occupational specialties, COOL identifies the opportunities for that representation, in a credential, of what the civilian workforce desires of our well-qualified professionals.”

According to Keith Boring, program manager for the Navy Credentials Program Office, professional credentialing acts as an integral part of the Services’ Enlisted Learning and Development Strategy.

“COOL helps recruiters sell Navy and Marine Corps careers; it improves advancement opportunities and helps motivate our best Sailors and Marines to stay inservice” said Boring. “By improving force readiness through initiatives like COOL, we’re presenting Sailors and Marines with another key to career success that will benefit them while they’re in the service and beyond.”

Boring added, though it isn’t the purpose of the Navy’s credentialing program to be used solely as a component of transition, earning an industry recognized certification or license may provide a key factor toward a successful transition from Sailor to civilian employee.

Michael Talley, assistant program manager for the Navy Credentials Program Office noted that joint development of a DoN COOL website enabled enhanced capabilities for both Navy COOL and Marine Corps COOL.

“The COOL websites leverage data sharing, reduced developmental cost and meet Department of Defense credentialing program goals ... all at best cost to the government and its taxpayers,” said Talley. “The tight integration of the Navy and Marine Corps COOL websites is the key advantage behind our partnership. Both COOL sites mirror each other in styling,organization, and utility ... which provide users a consistent and familiar tool.”